Best Strategies and Preparation Tips for GMAT Quant

Securing 50+ raw scores in GMAT quantitative reasoning section seems a great deal and that’s why we have a few GMAT preparation tips exclusively for quant.

GMAT Quantitative Reasoning: Doables and Topics

Two sections of GMAT quant are problem-solving (19- 20 questions) and data sufficiency (17- 18 questions). GMAT problem-solving consists of Algebra, Geometry, and Arithmetic. The topic includes Word Problems, Number System- Integers, Fraction and Decimals, Ratio and Proportion, Percentage, Permutation and Combination, Probability, Data Interpretation, Powers and Roots, Inequalities, Sequences, Practical & real-life problems, Statistics, Elementary Algebra, Two- dimensional Geometry, Three- dimensional Geometry, and Coordinate Geometry. 

Preparation Tips for Problem-Solving Questions

Clear conception arithmetic, geometry, and Algebra

The main areas of problem-solving are arithmetic, geometry, and algebra. As per GMAC guidelines, the problem-solving questions will include the high-school level standard. Before learning the shortcuts or quick techniques, learn the basics and detailed formula. 

Without the detailed idea of the basics, proper applications of the shortcuts will be impossible. So, give sufficient time to have clarity with the basics. 

Rely on the Structured Process

As your concepts are clear now, understand the theory behind the structured processes and shortcuts and try to apply that. The conventional methods to solve the problem will take much time which you cannot afford in GMAT – GMAT is all about applying what you know, it is not about how much you know. 

Learn Simply

Get the books with simpler methods to understand the algorithm and structures easily. GMAT is a hard exam and without short techniques, it will not be possible to complete the test successfully.

Plugging in Numbers

Pick a single number to replace a variable while practicing with GMAT question papers. This trick applies to the prime factors. The problem becomes simple and solving it will take less time than usual. 

At the time of plug in, use the numbers which are easy to deal with. Also, the number must meet all the conditions given in the question. 

Use the same technique for algebra where you can pick a number for an abstract letter.

For Percentage, Use Fractions or Decimals

For the percentage questions, use the equivalent decimals or fractions. The problems will be solved earlier with this. 

Use the Distributive Property

At the time of solving the problems, break the number into chunk to solve easily and quickly. 

Spot Patterns to Save Time

Use an emerging pattern to solve the problems with complex components. By doing so, it will appear simple, and solving the problem will take less time.

Preparation Tips for Data Sufficiency Special Tips

Memorize the Answer Choices

Remember, the answer choices for all the data sufficiency questions are alike – so you can save time by not reading the answers. Also instead of writing A, B, C, D, and E, write 1(statement 1) 2 (statement 2) T (together) E (either) and N (neither) to test the sufficiency of the statements. 

Apply Divisibility Rules for Data Sufficiency Questions

When you are considering numbers for the data sufficiency questions, take the numbers by following the divisibility rules. It will make the sufficiency test accurate. 

Involve the Range of Inequalities

Check the inequalities at the time of finding out the sufficient answer. Understanding the inequalities will help to understand each variable clearly and reach the conclusion easily.

Take Help of Linear Thinking

Common sense combined with reasoning is required for data sufficiency. So do not use algebra unless it is mandatory for the GMAT quant. 

Evaluate the Statements One at a Time

Don’t try to test the sufficiency of all the statements altogether. Check one by one. Remember, you have to test the sufficiency – you don’t need to find the answer. As soon as you are done with the sufficiency, mark the answer and move to the next. 

Until you are done with testing the sufficiency of all the choices, do not jump to the conclusion. 

GMAT Quant Overall Tips for Better Score

Track the Errors

During practice, mistakes are unavoidable but make sure you note the mistakes down during the review of the mock test. Also, identify your weakness and learn how to avoid mistakes by strengthening your skills. Make sure not to repeat the mistake during your next mock tests. 

Give Time to Practice Easier Questions Too

The hard questions indeed need extra care, but it is also true that on the exam date, there will be easier questions on the first few positions. Do not spend so much time exercising the hard questions that you cannot manage to answer the easier ones. Rather practice the easy questions regularly. 

Know the Takt-time

Takt-time is the time taken to for each unit. Here, takt-time will be the time taken by the candidates to answer one question of GMAT. To complete the entire quant section on time, the candidates can spend 2 minutes – not more than that. 

But not all the questions will take 2 minutes, some will take less than 2 minutes and some will take more than 2 minutes. If you know the takt-time for each type of question previously, you will be able to manage time optimally. 

Keep Eyes on Time

For GMAT quant, get timed practice. On average, try to keep the time to solve each question around 2 minutes. If it seems unsolvable, guess, and mark an option and move towards the next – do not skip a question.

The suggested pacing plan for the GMAT Quant can be:

• First 10 questions in 20 minutes 
• Question number 11-21 in 20 minutes 
• Question number 22-30 in 20 minutes 
• Last question in 2 minutes 

Practice on a Computer

Along with following all the strategies, it is also necessary to practice on a computer. It will familiarize you with the exact way of the exam. 

Remember to have a mathematical mindset and practice several times with all the available GMAT practice papers for quant section. To improve your skills, you can opt for solving more questions in less time to achieve more perfection and step ahead of others.